posted 10-08-2002 04:17 PM ET (US)            

If there is any one that wants to go this year the island's would most likeley be out, but a nice ride and then lunch at the barking crab would be nice.

posted 10-09-2002 12:39 PM ET (US)            

I have recieved a few emails, and will compile a list over the winter for a spring '03 Boston Harbor Rendezvous.

posted 10-10-2002 08:11 AM ET (US)            

The following activities have been suggested.

Fishing tournament (Whaler vs. Seacraft)
Poker Run
Scavanger hunt
Island B-B-Q

Again, if interested, please send me an email with name, boat type, hometown, and suggestions.

Lets rally for a HUGE Rendezooo

posted 10-10-2002 03:23 PM ET (US)            

I'm interested. Our boat is located on MV. We're lookng for an excuse to travel the big ditch!

posted 10-15-2002 02:30 PM ET (US)            

We have 14 or 15 interested whaler owners now, and plenty of New Englanders who have not yet responded.

posted 10-17-2002 01:19 PM ET (US)            

NedsPoint, depends on how close you want to get to the city. I'm north of Boston, and there are a number of places to put in around here; Winthrop Harbor might be the best bet here...but I would defer to the local knowledge (11). Might be cool to put in on the Charles and go thru the Locks!

I'm overlooking the Charles as we speak and wish I were on it!

posted 10-17-2002 01:37 PM ET (US)            

http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/pab/pabNEMap.htm

From the south, Weymouth may be the best bet, but I agree that local knowledge would be helpfull.

If anybody finds other ramps (private, marinas, etc) please let us know!

posted 10-17-2002 01:57 PM ET (US)            

Yep, neighbors indeed. I pay for dry storage and put in at Kazmiera on the Haverhill Side. Most of this year was spent with my Suzi in the shop, or me floundering under the bridge after another purported fix...turned out to be a binding problem in the lower unit, only after a complete rebuild of the powerhead! Well, at least I now have confidence in my 1989 Suzi.

Not sure about this weekend, though...as I have family plans both days, and be assured my wife and 2 year old son and 4 year old daughter are not too fond of the cold...(daughter will be better next year though...she loves the boat).

Have you seen me? I have a 1977 15 Sport, custom mohogany console, swivel seats, Suzi 85 (yea, I could have been that blur, sometimes have to open her up when alone).

Only go as far as Newburyport though...have not had experience navigating the mouth with a buddy yet. All in time.

posted 10-17-2002 02:32 PM ET (US)            

11

posted 10-17-2002 04:07 PM ET (US)            

Can you find that ramp on MapBlaster or some other map program, and post a link? Also, your point about rough waters is noted, we will need to find an area that is suitable for all of us.

posted 10-17-2002 06:10 PM ET (US)            

11

posted 10-18-2002 10:29 AM ET (US)            

11, check out

posted 10-18-2002 07:29 PM ET (US)            

11

posted 10-19-2002 04:06 PM ET (US)            

I was thinking the same thing. Have a rendezvous at the southern end of the canal and we could parade up the canal.

Having never traversed the canal, is tide an issue?

posted 10-21-2002 09:06 PM ET (US)            

I'd be very interested in attending a Boston Harbor meet in the late Spring (mid-May on?) I have my just acquired '93 Outrage 17 sitting in the yard and haven't even seen it in the water yet. However, my son drove out to Michigan to collect it and swears it ran great when he launched it the afternoon he picked it up (on Lake St. Claire) so I am pretty sure it will be in teh runing come May ;-). Back-up may still be my '87 13 that has seen several trips to Boston Harbor and well beyond - just havae to leave my wife ashore because of teh bumps at speed out there. I usually launch in the Charles River and go out the locks when I use the boat around here. (free launch, free parking, free flushing on the way home)

posted 10-26-2002 11:21 AM ET (US)            

My parents have rented a place there for years and the kids have always enjoyed their
summers on the island.Count me in mid July thru August is perfect.

posted 10-27-2002 08:35 PM ET (US)            

Bostonsfisher.......
I live the next town over in burlington near the burling/billerica line. it is great to see someone so close to me on this forum for once.
Were did you buy your whaler?Good luck with it, And welcome to the forum!!!

posted 11-01-2002 03:01 PM ET (US)            

I assume you received the Boston Harbor Islands info that I sent you.

posted 11-01-2002 04:11 PM ET (US)            

It sounds like you didnt get my return email about the info you sent. I got the info, and appreciate your efforts (especially tracking down my mailing address!).

There have been many suggestions about where to have the rendezvous. Since I am not all that familiar with the Harbor area, I will definitely need some help figuring it out.

posted 11-15-2002 10:20 AM ET (US)            

I am up for going anytime, but it is still pretty cold in May. Maybe the end of May or the beginning of June would be better for families in the Harbor weather wise.

posted 12-01-2002 02:38 PM ET (US)            

Or june 21 is the first day of summer.
Newt??

11

posted 12-27-2002 01:14 PM ET (US)            

11

posted 12-29-2002 10:20 PM ET (US)            

Hey Ned's Point, I've spent quite a bit of time in your neck of the woods at MYC.

A good launch point for us southcoast guys would be Hingham, or Weymouth. It's not too far from Boston Harbor Islands and easy to get to with a trailer in tow. (less traffic)

posted 01-04-2003 10:52 PM ET (US)            

If you did not get the message, then I do not have your correct email address.

posted 01-05-2003 07:37 PM ET (US)            

I will volunteer as the North Shore Contact for anyone interested.

Bob Boeri

posted 01-06-2003 08:22 AM ET (US)            

Timo, please send me an email so I have your correct address - you were my only return to sender.

Thanks,

posted 01-07-2003 08:50 PM ET (US)            

I have forwarded you my home email address.

11, is the ramp you are referring to one of the attached?

http://www.mysticriver.org/landings.shtml

posted 01-09-2003 10:09 AM ET (US)            

Other folks are thinking of trailering from as far away as Rhode Island and Marion. Before any decisions are made for ramp location, can I get a tally of where all the south shore people are coming from? (I guess I'm the south shore contact which is fine. Email me with a clear subject line relating to the forum. My junk mail filter is very selctive, and I will need to identify your email to retreive it from junk mail)

Now, some thoughts regarding ramps- I've heard that Weymouth has a good ramp. I have no experience with it though, so if someone does, could they let us know their thoughts? During high tide, Hingham's isn't bad either, but there is a long window during low tide which is an impossibility, especially for the larger boats. Lots of mud. Another downside for Hingham is the harbor is a pain to get in and out of- takes forever. Also, the times I used their ramp last spring, there was no public place to tie up- only a prvate town pier. With many boats going in the water together I would think this is a concern.

Another possibility is Scituate harbor. The ramp's excellent. A possibly large downside is that there isn't a whole lot of parking, although that early in the season, we should be ok. The other downiside for some people with Scituate is that it would be another 20 minute drive further than Hingham/Weymouth if you are coming off of 128 and down route 3. (Rhode Island people or Marion coming up 24) In addition, Scituate is about 15 minutes further south and out of Boston Harbor (similarly there's Marshfield- Brandt Rock and Green Harbor, but that's probably too far south). That said, it takes practically as long to get out of Hingham and Cohasset Harbors a it does to get past Hull and into the harbor from Scituate.

If anyone knows of other good ramps (I'm thinking Quincy?), please chime in.

posted 01-12-2003 09:15 AM ET (US)            

Sounds like my kind of day! The only problem is that with all of the no wake zones in the Merrimack and the Annisquam, you would have to leave about 3 AM :).

posted 01-13-2003 09:17 AM ET (US)            

In looking at a map it seems like Boston Harbor State Park might be a good place.

Anyone have first hand knowledge of the islands? What kind of facilities are there? What kind of shore line?

gf,

Can I get a copy of the info on Boston Harbor Islands.

Thanks,
Brian

posted 01-13-2003 09:49 AM ET (US)            

I have a call into the Park Service to see where they recommend, but have not heard back yet.

At this time the location is not nailed down.

posted 01-13-2003 10:02 AM ET (US)            

For Harbor Islands Info:

http://www.bostonislands.org/visithome.html

For a picture of the Boston Harbor Islands:

http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/images/bhis-map.jpg

This one is a cool site where you can view various marine charts. The lat & lon will get you into the Harbor, then you can select different charts and zoom levels.

posted 02-25-2003 07:23 AM ET (US)            

I had a conversation with the chief Ranger, and will elaborate on what aubv reported above.

Both islands are suitable for a get together - ie beach and porto-potties. Peddocks is larger, but a little more rustic and geared toward camping. The advantages of George's Island are: Full bathrooms (for the ladies), picnic tables, grills, and dock space for 6 boats +/- (in addition to plenty of anchorage and beaching).

The ranger suggested George's Island because it will be the first one opened up by the park service. He expressed concerns and uncertainty about the upcoming budget cuts (we all know that MA is in a fiscal crisis), but pointed out that Geaorge's is the "hub" of the island park service, so it will be the first to open up. He also said that June 7th would be early enough in the season to avoid the crowds on Georges. He also mentioned (un-officially) that the islands could be used regardless of weather or not they were "open".

Follow the link below to see both islands. You can zoom in and out, and also switch to an arial photo.

http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.aspx?t=2&s=13&x=213&y=2928&z=19&w=2

On Georges, note the beach on the North side of the boat pier (on the west side of the island). That is the spot the Ranger said we could use.

If anybody has first hand knowledge of these islands, please post your opinions!

posted 02-25-2003 11:18 AM ET (US)            

I've never stopped at these islands, but I've run out by them. Beautiful stuff.

posted 02-26-2003 03:06 PM ET (US)            

Along with me and my 11'. I've got two other boats comming. a 21' bow rider and a 17' moutauk. So I'll be running with people I know, so things should be ok. It there is anyone els comeing with an 11' or a 13' just know what you are getting into. Chances are I'll have to ride alone in the Lone Shark.

11

posted 02-27-2003 01:39 PM ET (US)            

Being mindful that there are those here who have termed the trip to George's as "pretty rough" I would like this explored a little more.

posted 02-27-2003 11:29 PM ET (US)            

i think there are a couple of ramps in weymouth? is the other free?

posted 02-28-2003 01:55 PM ET (US)            

Things to Do

All the islands have trails and shorelines for hiking and exploring. Island managers offer daily guided tours as well as night programs for campers. Self-guided trail brochures are also available.
Swimming is possible on Bumpkin and Grape islands, at your own risk. Lovells has a swimming beach supervised by lifeguards during summer.
Depending on the season, six islands can be reached by water shuttles during daylight hours only. Private boaters are allowed on the islands until 8 pm.
Fires are permitted in camp stoves, hibachis or grills in the campsites. Beach fires below the high-tide line are also permitted; bonfires are not permitted.
Pets are not allowed on any islands.

"Alcohol is not permitted on the islands for personal use. "

posted 03-01-2003 08:07 PM ET (US)            

Weymouth only has the one ramp, you may find an old decaying one by Weymouth Landing but the real one is well worth the couple dollars, I'm not positive about overnight parking. Now about that chop, instead of going straight through Hull gutt where you'll find the chop, you could go through west gutt and under the long island bridge and hang a right to George's...you'll be protected the whole way